Access Fund: 'Egregious' illegal climbing at Joshua Tree

The Access Fund, one of climbing's most prominent organizations dedicated to keeping climbing areas open, says it narrowly averted a shutdown of climbing in Joshua Tree National Park in California.

That option was on the table, the fund says in a press release, after Joshua Tree Wilderness representatives found ample evidence of illegal climbing in The Underground Chasm area.

The violations included unapproved bolting, chipped-in approach steps, fixed rope, burnt trees and stashed camping and climbing gear. Climbing is allowed in the area on already-established routes; putting up new routes requires a permit and fixed rope and new approach paths are not allowed.